Seventeen-year-old Ukrainian pianist Ivan Petrenko, a student at the Davidsbündler Academy in The Hague, has been selected for the prestigious VIRTUOS program on AVROTROS Klassiek. This appointment underscores his exceptional artistic talent and places him among promising young musicians on the path to an international career in classical music. At 17, Ivan is only the second pianist of his age to be selected for the VIRTUOS program. The only other one was Nikola Meeuwsen, who has since won the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition.
Milestone for Davidsbündler Academy
Although the Davidsbündler Academy has already produced students who have won international competitions in a short time, this selection represents an important milestone — both for Ivan, who is taking a step towards an international professional career in classical music, and for the academy itself.”
Founder and artistic director Anna Fedorova: “We are already very proud of the many awards our students have won, but this is a different story. Ivan’s selection demonstrates that the Davidsbündler Academy’s mission – guiding young top talent towards a sustainable, international professional career – is becoming a reality. It is tangible proof that the academy’s approach works at the highest level.”
While being selected for VIRTUOS is an important recognition, the academy sees it primarily as a beginning. Ivan will remain closely associated with the Davidsbündler Academy in the coming years, preparing for important performances, the recording of his debut album, collaborations with renowned musicians, and participation in major international competitions. “The next challenges are already upon us – and Ivan is ready for them,” says Fedorova. “We will continue to provide him with intensive support in this next, crucial phase of his development.”
About the VIRTUOS program
As part of the AVROTROS Klassiek talent development program, Ivan, along with cellist Stefano Bruno and violinist Hawijch Elders, will have the opportunity to record a professionally produced debut CD and perform in various media and concert halls. The CD recording will take place from May 6th to 8th, 2026, at the Broadcasting Music Centre in Hilversum. The highlight will be Ivan’s solo performance with the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra during the AVROTROS Friday Concert on May 21st, 2027, at TivoliVredenburg and the Sunday Morning Concert at the Concertgebouw.
About Ivan Petrenko
Ivan studied with Tatiana Abaieva in Kyiv between 2019 and 2022 and has been studying at the Davidsbündler Academy since its founding in 2022, with both Abaieva and Borys Fedorov. Since September 2025, he has been combining his studies at the academy with a bachelor’s degree at Codarts Rotterdam with Nino Gvetadze – a program he has just begun, which complements his main program at Davidsbündler.
He won major prizes at an early age, including the Yevhen Stankovych Competition (Kyiv), “Merci, Maestro!” (Belgium), the WPTA Spain International Piano Competition, and the “Kharkiv Meets Zurich” Competition.
As a soloist he has performed with the Britten Youth Orchestra, Kyiv Camerata, the Davidsbündler Chamber Orchestra, and the Hague Symphony Orchestra Euterpe, performing, among others, Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto.
For more information about Ivan Petrenko or the Davidsbündler Academy in The Hague:
More information about the VIRTUOOS program: https://avrotros.nl/virtuoos